Description
This Easy Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a comforting and wholesome dish perfect for holiday gatherings or a nutritious family meal. Made with sweet potatoes, apples, warming spices, and a crunchy pecan-date topping, this casserole combines natural sweetness and rich textures while adhering to paleo dietary guidelines.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet potatoes
- 1 pound apples of choice
- 2 tablespoons ghee (at room temperature, plus extra to grease the casserole dish)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus a pinch to season the water)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch pepper
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup raw pecans
- 1/2 cup halved Deglet Noor dates (tightly packed)
- 1 tablespoon ghee (at room temperature)
Instructions
- Prep produce: Peel the sweet potatoes and apples, remove the cores from the apples, then chop all into large chunks. Place the chunks into a large pot.
- Boil: Cover produce with about 1 inch of water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until very soft and tender, approximately 30-35 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 11×7-inch casserole dish with ghee.
- Mash: Add the ghee, unsweetened applesauce, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, sea salt, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of pepper to the bowl with the cooked sweet potatoes and apples. Mash together until well combined, leaving some chunks of apple for texture. Stir in the coconut flour thoroughly. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- Process topping: Using a small food processor, pulse the raw pecans and halved dates until broken down and crumbly but not completely smooth. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl and mix in the remaining tablespoon of ghee until combined.
- Bake: Evenly sprinkle the pecan-date topping over the surface of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole feels set and the topping is golden, about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your dish size.
- Broil: Switch your oven to the broil setting on high and broil the casserole for 5-10 minutes, or until the date topping becomes crispy and caramelized. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Rest: Allow the casserole to stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set further and cool slightly for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ghee with coconut oil for a similar paleo-approved fat.
- Deglet Noor dates add natural sweetness and chewiness; medjool dates can be used but may alter texture slightly.
- Leave some apple pieces chunky when mashing for added texture contrast.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead, stored covered in the refrigerator, and reheated before serving.
- Adjust spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Paleo, American
Keywords: paleo sweet potato casserole, pecan topping, healthy holiday side, gluten free casserole, sweet potato recipe
